Originally Posted By: donnyj08
I've been running into the problem of used trucks being outrageous, are they like that all over the country? im seeing 100k mile 2010's going for 20+k. I've noticed the cheapest ones ive found are in michigan, and they get more expensive going south. At least that has been my gathering from a week or so of craigslist and autotrader shopping. Naturally they probably are in better shape south of the ohio which puts them mostly out of snowy climates. thoughts? id really like a 2011 or 2012 for around 20k with 50-70k miles on it, am i dreaming?
Yes, prices are crazy. And I think you are getting into "truck season" as the summer goes into winter. When I was looking lost year there was a lot of junk out there and a lot of stuff priced high that was not that good or had lots of miles.
But I think deals could be found - I got a good deal on the truck in my signature - had 43k on it. It had good maintenance records, was a 1 owner truck (corporate vehicle). Only downside was the bed was dinged and scratched a lot. It was used like a truck. No big deal to me - a trip to LineX fixed most of that up. A tonneau cover fixed the rest.
You are heading in the right direction in looking for deals - they do exist but when they pop up be ready to pounce if it's passes the test.
As far as new vs used - that's up to you. I know I could have bought a new stripper model for about what I paid for mine. But then I'd be driving a stripper model that I hated. Instead I bought a couple year old, with warranty (at least the remainder of the power train), and much life left in it. And the best part is someone else put the "first dings" in it!
Interest rates were about the same - I got 2% on used for 60 months. Plan to pay it off well ahead of schedule but the dealer was able to get great rates easily. Financing may be an option if you get better returns on your investments than the interest rate. And in worst case just withdrawal the funds from savings and pay the loan off.
As far as brands, I'd stick with Ford and GM. Better capabilities, reliability, and resale value if you don't like or need it later on. There's a reason Rams are cheap to buy new and cheap at the used market. (And that's all I'm going to say as to not turn this into a war.)
Have fun shopping. I'm one of those weirdos that likes car shopping!